It’s another top 10 CCI5* finish for Monica Spencer and Artist, this time at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event in the United States. The US-based combo were the highest placed female in the field and the best of the Kiwis with their eighth place finish after a heart-stopping finale to one of the world’s highest-ranked events. They also won the award as the highest placed thoroughbred.

Monica Spencer & Artist, Jumping, Kentucky CCI5*, April 2025. Photo Credit Shannon Brinkman

“I am just rapt with Max (Artist),” said Monica. “I can’t look past another consistent result at 5* for him. He has had several top 10 finishes now.” They’ve previously placed seventh at Kentucky and Maryland 5* and an 11th at Burghley too. “He really is a special horse. He just keeps on trying for me. I was definitely feeling the pressure throughout the event but pressure is a privilege and I feel very privileged to be riding Max at events like this in the company I am in.”

Paris gold medallist Michael Jung (GER) picked up his fifth Kentucky crown steering home FischerChipmunk FRH for the win on 25 penalty points with Boyd Martin (USA) aboard Commando 3 second on 32.8 and Harry Meade (GBR) third on Et Hop Du Matz on 34.2. He was also fourth aboard Grafennacht on 39.6. Boyd had three horses inside the top 10. Twenty-three combinations completed the event.

Jonelle Price & Hiarado, Jumping, Kentucky CCI5*, April 2025. Photo Credit Shannon Brinkman

Monica and Artist finished on 50.9 after gathering jump and time in the showjumping this morning. Jonelle Price and Hiarado were clear and inside time today for finish on 74 in 15th place with Tim Price and Happy Boy also adding nothing for their 115.3 penalty point 21st placing. Tim withdrew Falco and Jarillo from the showjumping phase. Jonelle was delighted with Hiarado. “She’s a great jumper and it was nice go in the ring today and show that once again,” she said. “Apart from the silly blip at the fourth yesterday (on the cross country) she’s actually had a really good week so we just have to hang in there till we can do it all again.”

Tim Price & Happy Boy, Jumping, Kentucky CCI5*, April 2025. Photo Credit Shannon Brinkman

Tim was chuffed to get a first 5* completion for Happy Boy. “He jumped very good today. It is never a given to jump a clear round here at Kentucky,” said Tim. Jarillo was withdrawn due to an overreach that was really sore while Falco had a little soreness in the foot. “Falco was not in the running and I want to look after him and save him for next time,” said Tim, “so I decided to withdraw him. Overall this event is amazing. It is such a sanctuary for horses with such nice areas to work. I have really enjoyed putting together a performance here. Unfortunately it just wasn’t quite to be but we are taking home all the horses healthy and will make a next plan with them.”

Clarke Johnstone and Melo Park were eliminated during yesterday’s cross country.

ESNZ general manager of high performance Jock Paget tipped his hat to winner Michael Jung saying he will certainly be forever remembered in this sport. “Coming into the cross country he had such a strong lead on rest of the field but still came out and took every risk. He was out there riding as though he was in fourth and chasing the lead. I love it.”

The Kentucky event had been a bit step up for some of the Kiwi horses, albeit who were all very good horses in the hands of competitive and experienced riders. “They will squeeze all the learning out of this that there is and reset for next time.” Tim and Jonelle had both produced excellent clears this morning and Monica’s eighth place at one of the “big three” was nothing to be sneezed at.

In the CCI4*-S, Hayley Frielick and Sportsfield Lumiere placed 13th after adding 0.4 time to their tally for a final score of 53.4 penalty points. She was eliminated aboard Dunedin Black Watch during the cross country. William Coleman (USA) and Off the Record held the top position to win on 33 penalty points. Thirty-six of the original 53 starting combinations completed the competition.

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By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
Photos by Shannon Brinkman